Should music be happier?

There have been two letters to the editor recently published in the Express-News that suggested that the San Antonio Symphony should play more “happy” music. The writers believe that if we played more music that people recognize and was more upbeat it would solve all problems.

This is an argument I’ve heard countless times. I can’t disagree more strongly.

Let’s take the example of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. What could be happier than the last movement that features the Ode to Joy? Schiller’s text celebrates brotherhood and the unity of all mankind. Beethoven’s melody is universally recognized. And yet, part of what makes this music so remarkable and powerful is the three movements that come before the Ode to Joy. The first movement of this symphony starts in a fog and is often quite stormy. In the last movement Beethoven rejects this darker emotion for joy and universal brotherhood. It is partly because Beethoven is such a genius at contrast that this symphony is beloved.

This season the San Antonio Symphony is playing all nine Beethoven symphonies in January and February. Beethoven tops every survey I’ve ever read as the most recognized name in Classical music. What could we play more recognizable than Beethoven?

Is the business model of symphonies around the country under stress? Of course. What isn’t stressed in this Great Recession? Live symphonic music also has new competitors in iPads, iPods, and Metropolitan Opera broadcasts in movie theaters. The dizzying pace of technological change has made the traditional concert hall experience seem out of date for some.

But, live symphonic music’s great emotional impact and diversity provides our greatest strength. Victor Hugo said, “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” The best way to experience these powerful emotions is in a concert hall. There is nothing wrong with happy, but isn’t life far more complex and rich than just one emotion?